What is the HGM class?
The Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Classification identifies groups of wetlands that function similarly using three criteria that fundamentally influence how wetlands function. These criteria are geomorphic setting, water source, and hydrodynamics.
How do you categorize a wetland?
As the title implies, wetlands are classified by their geomorphic setting, dominant water source (e.g. precipitation, groundwater or surface water) and hydrodynamics. The hydrogeomorphic (HGM) includes five major wetland types: riverine, slope depressional, flat and fringe.
What is a DEPRESSIONAl wetland?
DEPRESSIONAl DEPRESSIONAl wetlands occur in topographic depressions. Dominant water sources are precipitation, ground water discharge, and both interflow and overland flow from adjacent uplands. DEPRESSIONAl wetlands may have any com- bination of inlets and outlets or lack them completely.
What is a functional capacity index in the HGM system?
Wetland functional capacity is used to assess the relative condition of a wetland to perform a suite of functions characteristic of an HGM subclass. A functional capac- ity index (FCI) is developed for each function, and ranges from zero (unrestorable) to one (highest sustainable functional capacity).
Can you build on wetlands?
You can build on wetlands as long as they’re not jurisdictional, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be fighting an uphill battle. When wetlands are filled, the water that makes them wet has to go somewhere. If you’re building on these lands, you have to consider that your home or business may be damaged by this water.
What type of wetland is formed from a glacial depression?
Like many wetlands, bogs develop in areas where the water table, or the upper surface of underground water, is high. They often begin in glacial depressions called kettle lakes, which are deeper than prairie potholes. A bog forms as a kettle lake gradually fills with plant debris.
What is a PEM wetland?
Palustrine emergent (PEM) include wetlands characterized by erect, rooted, herbaceous hydrophytes (i.e aquatic plants), excluding mosses and lichens (Cowardin et al 1979). Wildlife frequently use these areas for nesting and feeding, particularly during migration.
Are wetlands ecosystem?
Wetlands are some of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth. They act like giant sponges or reservoirs. During heavy rains, wetlands absorb excess water, limiting the effects of flooding. Wetlands also protect coastal areas from storm surges that can wash away fragile beaches and coastal communities.
Should I buy wetlands?
Wetlands benefit farmers because they act as a natural filtration system, regulating water flow and eliminating chemicals from water. Purchasing property with wetlands is advantageous if you plan to use it for things such agriculture, conservation, its breathtaking views, fishing, and hunting.
Is it bad to live near wetlands?
Wetlands are superb at purifying polluted water, replenishing aquifers and harboring wildlife. But they are almost always terrible places to build houses. When wetlands are filled, the water that made them wet has to go somewhere.
How does the HGM approach to wetland classification work?
The HGM Approach incorporates data collected from reference wetlands to scale mathematic models and provide an index from 0.0 to 1.0 to represent the level of wetland condition for each function.
When was the hydrogeomorphic wetland classification system introduced?
The hydrogeomorphic (HGM) wetland classification system was first introduced by Brinson in 1993. To many wetland scientists, HGM is synonymous with a wetland functional assessment approach. However, the original work by Brinson was limited to the de-velopment of a wetland classification system. It was
How are wetlands classified according to their hydrologic characteristics?
It utilizes a wetland classification system based on geomorphic position and hydrologic characteristics to group wetlands into seven different wetland classes as defined by Brinson (1993). The seven classes as defined by Brinson are: Depressional Riverine Mineral Flats Organic Flats Tidal Fringe Lacustrine Fringe Slopes
Are there any alternative classification schemes for wetlands?
In general, very few definitive tests of alternative classification schemes for wetlands are available with respect to describ- ing reference condition for either nutrient criteria or biocriteria. There are no known studies where ref- erence conditions for both nutrient criteria and biocriteria have been assessed simultaneously.